How to see if PCV needs replacement

[Metal Flake]

I have a 2016 4 cylinder Equinox with 105,000 miles on it.

How can I tell if the PCV valve needs servicing?

It’s never used any oil until I recently noticed it’s down slightly from an oil change at 102,000. I opened the oil fill cap and there is some air pressure escaping from the fill hole. Is that normal or is it a PCV issue? The car is in super mint condition and I’m hoping this is not a sign of engine failure as I want to keep the car for awhile longer.

 

[Dan-IN-MN]

These engines do not have a PCV valve. They use a constant metered vacuum to pull vapers from the crankcase. This is metered by a small hole in the intake manifold. If this hole gets plugged, pressure with build to the point of pushing the rear seal lip out and you'll loose oil fast.
With the engine running, take the oil fill cap off. If you can feel a vacuum, the hole is working. If a positive pressure is felt, the hole needs to be cleaned. Lots of videos on how to do this.
Don't rely on the oil cap that is claimed to be vented. My seal went even with that cap installed.
I'll also being installing a paper catch can to keep the crap from entering the intake manifold and also getting on the intake valves.

 

[Tico007]

That pressure out of the oil filler cap is still there even with the orifice cleaned out. It’s an inefficient design that causes problems whether it’s plugged or not. Only way to know for sure is open up the intake manifold and check. It’s not a big deal on this engine. Pretty easy. You can also drill a hole from the top for access and poke at it. Or you can do a mod using a real PCV valve that’s what I’m doing.

 

[Metal Flake]

These engines do not have a PCV valve. They use a constant metered vacuum to pull vapers from the crankcase. This is metered by a small hole in the intake manifold. If this hole gets plugged, pressure with build to the point of pushing the rear seal lip out and you'll loose oil fast.
With the engine running, take the oil fill cap off. If you can feel a vacuum, the hole is working. If a positive pressure is felt, the hole needs to be cleaned. Lots of videos on how to do this.
Don't rely on the oil cap that is claimed to be vented. My seal went even with that cap installed.
I'll also being installing a paper catch can to keep the crap from entering the intake manifold and also getting on the intake valves.

Thank you for your help!

After a second look, I found that there is indeed a vacuum suction felt at the oil fill cap. So I think I’m ok for now? I bought this car brand new and oil has been changed every 5000 miles, perhaps I’ll shorten that to every 3000. Is there anything else that can be done to ensure that the vacuum hole doesn’t plug up?

 

[PoManNox]

I believe the plastic intake manifolds on these 2.4's are inexpensive enough, I'd just replace it if you're not sure the PCV passages in it aren't 100% free and clear. They're really not a bad engine if you keep oil in it and change oil frequently. Unfortunately, that doesn't bode well with the average owner. LOL

 

[Metal Flake]

Good advice, thank you!!!

I’m going to look into that if I decide to keep the car.

I have taken care of it and it still looks in showrooms condition. I even wax the door jams… I’d really hate to have it take a dump over something that could be remedied for a few hundred bucks.

 

[Jakebot]

Thank you for your help!

After a second look, I found that there is indeed a vacuum suction felt at the oil fill cap. So I think I’m ok for now? I bought this car brand new and oil has been changed every 5000 miles, perhaps I’ll shorten that to every 3000. Is there anything else that can be done to ensure that the vacuum hole doesn’t plug up?

Just to check, I'm sure you were already aware, but the oil used must be Dexos. If not, it will consume oil. I think they are pretty great motors. They just need to be understood. You're doing great by the steady maintenance. They're fairly inexpensive vehicles and extremely efficient for their class. All they require in return is to be taken care of in return. Some vehicles are much more forgiving with poor maintenance. These are not one of them. If taken care of well, all their quirks are fairly minimal. And with what you save in fuel costs, you could honestly buy a new motor for it every year and still be spending less than you would on other midsized SUVs. Lol

 

[59Squire]

Our 2012 Equinox just hit 190,000 with no engine or transmission problems. I've never let the oil monitor show less than 40% and I service the transmission every 3 years. It does leak some oil now, but that's to be expected. I am not a new member, been in this since at least 2017.

 

[RIT333]

Why do you feel that leaking oil should be expected ? My 26 year old Nissan Maxima has never leaked any oil. In fact, I have never had any car that has leaked oil.